Rationale

This course is part of a supervised research project. The project provides opportunities for motivated and highly qualified students to undertake advanced study and independently produce a research-based dissertation. Students develop appropriate research skills and specialist knowledge which will enhance their career prospects and allow them to undertake further studies.

Synopsis

This is a four-unit course that contributes towards the Master of Business Research Dissertation.

The Dissertation comprises the research and writing of a dissertation (maximum of 40,000 words). Students examine a professional area of interest, usually related to their work environment and are assisted by one or more supervisors with appropriate background. Each candidate for the applied research project is required to submit a research proposal to the Head of School and Faculty Research and Higher Degrees Committee for approval and endorsement by the Dean prior to the commencement of research. Most topics are drawn from the candidate's work experience and interest; however it is recognised that the work of some candidates is not necessarily suited for that purpose and the Head of School and Faculty Research and Higher Degrees Committee then considers topics drawn from elsewhere if necessary. The dissertation will be a significant piece of independently conducted and written research. To successfully complete the dissertation, students will be required to select a research topic, develop a proposal, carry out supervised research on the chosen topic using an appropriate research method, and present and defend the results.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

identify suitable research topics

undertake independent research

demonstrate appropriate communication skills

report research outcomes.

Topics

Description

Weighting(%)

1.

Topics and their weighting will be determined for each student at the beginning of the semester of offer. Topics will reflect each student's proposed dissertation.

100.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from USQ's Online Bookshop (unless otherwise stated). (https://bookshop.usq.edu.au/bookweb/subject.cgi?year=2013&sem=02&subject1=BUS8202)

Student workload requirements

Assessment details

Candidates who are not due to hand in their Dissertation must submit a Progress Report. The Office of Research and Higher Degrees will notify candidates by e-mail when a Progress Report is due.

Important assessment information

Attendance requirements:
It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.

Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
Not applicable.

Penalties for late submission of required work:
Not applicable.

Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
See 5. below.

Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grade for students will be allocated after completion of 8 units of dissertation. Depending on progress, a grade of either Satisfactory Progress (SP) or Result Not Available (RN) will be awarded in this course.

Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.

Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Not applicable.

University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at http://policy.usq.edu.au.

Assessment notes

(i) The due date for a dissertation chapter is the date by which a student must submit the chapter to the USQ. (ii) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within 24 hours if required by the examiner. (iii) The examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assessment in extenuating circumstances. (iv) The examiner will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media. (v) The examiner will not accept submission of assessments by facsimile.

Referencing in assignments: Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide at http://www.usq.edu.au/library/referencing.